Starting point: The season kicks off against old rivals Manly at Brookvale Oval on a Sunday afternoon before visits to face the Dragons and Titans.

Tough run: The toughest stretch for the Eels really does come right up front. After those above-mentioned three away games the club's first home game, in Round 4, is against premiers Cronulla before they then pack their bags for trips to Canberra and Auckland. To sneak even three wins from the first six rounds will be an achievement in itself.

Show-stoppers: The Round 1 trip to Brooky is a fair start and the other big clash to circle is the Easter Monday blockbuster at ANZ Stadium against Wests Tigers. It's the only NRL game on that day so it definitely gets star billing. If both clubs are in contention for top eight or even top four spots then the Round 22 clash at ANZ against bitter cross-town rivals Canterbury will attract huge interest.

Origin impact: (Byes: Round 16 and 19.) the Eels are again the only club to play in all three pre-Origin bye weeks. Their opponents in those weeks (the Dragons, Rabbitohs and Storm) look certain to be more Origin-affected than Parramatta, so on paper the Origin period is pretty kind to the Eels. They do have the latest byes of any club – whether this is a blessing or a curse remains to be seen but they could be more well-rested than the other clubs leading into the finals as a result.